Santa Fe DM diesel fuel filter change (2013–2018)

On the DM Santa Fe with the 2.0 or 2.2 R diesel engine, the fuel filter is hidden behind the air intake and the air filter housing, so both have to come out first. You can replace just the cartridge or the whole filter assembly.

When to change it

Owners usually change it every 30,000 to 40,000 km, or before winter. Water in the filter can also turn on the fuel filter warning light.

How it goes

Four reference-based AI reconstructions illustrate the main sections. They are not photographs of the work.

1. The fuel filter is behind the air intake on the driver's side (the left side on left-hand-drive cars). You can't see it until the intake is off.

2. Remove the air intake.
3. Unplug the air flow sensor connector, then remove the air filter housing.
4. The filter is mounted behind the airbox. Release the nearby wiring support bracket to create working space without pulling on the wiring.

5. Unplug the connectors and disconnect the fuel hoses.
6. Check and remove all bolts and nuts securing the filter bracket. Confirm the mounting points on your vehicle before lifting the assembly.
7. Carefully work the filter assembly out, making sure it does not catch on the hoses or wiring.
8. Take the filter assembly out of the bracket housing. If you're replacing the whole assembly, swap it here and put it back together.

9. For a cartridge-only change, support the assembly securely and use a suitable filter wrench to remove and replace the cartridge. The video shows a strap wrench.
10. When you change only the cartridge, move the water sensor to the new cartridge.

11. Put everything back in the reverse order.
12. Bleed the air before starting. Keep your foot off the brake and switch the ignition to ON (not just ACC). The Korean reference describes leaving it ON for 5 to 10 seconds, switching it OFF, and repeating 5 to 10 times. Follow the priming procedure for your vehicle; a suitable scan tool can also be used.
13. Start the engine and check the fuel-hose connections, water sensor and filter seals for leaks. Recheck that each hose is fully latched. Stop the engine if fuel leaks.

We don't recommend this job for beginners.

Videos

DM · Korean

Santa Fe DM fuel filter, DIY replacementYouTube · 두공TV

DM · Korean

Santa Fe DM The Prime, cartridge-only changeYouTube · 마스타고치기

DM · Korean

Santa Fe DM fuel filter change and bleeding with the ignitionYouTube · 제임스일상사

2014 · English

Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel Fuel Filter ChangeYouTube · Badgertronix

Fuel filters

GenerationCartridgeFilter assemblySanta Fe DM2013–2018

31922-2W000$23.66

31970-2W950$64.15

Genuine Hyundai filters from the K Parts Hub catalog. Prices in USD.